Your next step, with a plan
Support for college transfer students and graduate school applicants
Transferring to a new college or applying to graduate school brings a different set of questions than the ones you faced the first time around, and they deserve the same kind of careful attention.
Whether you're considering a transfer, or thinking ahead toward graduate study, the work starts in the same place: getting clear on what you're working toward, and why. From there, we look at the programs that fit — what each one is looking for, and what your application will need to include, whether that's coursework, experience, recommendations, or testing.
Strategy
Begins with defining your goals
Process
Is structured around turning every requirement and deadline into a timeline you can actually live with
Coaching
Is tailored to writing a meaningful transfer essay or statement of purpose that shows who you are, what you've done, and where you're headed.
“Our family is extremely grateful for Barbara’s guidance and support. She helped make this journey seamless and stress-free for my husband and me, while arming our daughter with the best resources and advice. It made all of us feel secure navigating this exciting and super-important moment with Barbara on our daughter’s team!”
Monika, parent, University of Southern California
Advising Areas of Focus for Transfer & Graduate Applicants
Clarifying Goals
We’ll get clear on what you’re working toward and why, so the right next step follows naturally.
Researching Programs
We’ll identify programs that fit, research what each one is looking for, and evaluate how your background lines up.
Meeting Requirements
We’ll sort what’s needed and when for your coursework, experience, testing, and recommendations.
Building the Timeline
I’ll turn every component and deadline into a plan that you can actually manage.
Writing Your Story
I’ll guide you to develop a personal statement that reflects who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and where you’re headed, tailored to each program.
Staying on Track
We’ll work together as the stages progress so you feel supported through submissions, decisions, and next steps.
I recommend 5 – 10 hours of support through the process, which roughly equates to an investment of $2,000 – $4,000. Hourly bundles are recommended at each stage, and carry over from year to year.
FAQ
Questions Families Often Bring Me
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As soon as you're seriously considering it. Transfer applications often run on tighter or earlier timelines than students expect. A strong application takes time to build, particularly the essay and the letters of recommendation. Starting early gives you room to put together a strategic list and a compelling application.
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My support comes in flexible blocks of time, focused on what's most useful right now — whether that's a single Strategy Session or ongoing support through a full cycle. It's built to fit around the rest of your life instead of competing with it.
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The biggest difference is usually you: by this point, you have a track record — coursework, experience, relationships with people who can speak to your work. The process draws on that record and helps you present it clearly, in the context of what each program is looking for. Transfer essays and statements of purpose are more specific and more practical: they need to show a clear connection between your background, your goals, and what a particular program offers, often addressing specific questions each program asks.
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We talk through who to ask, how to ask, and what information to give your recommenders so their letters can speak directly to your strengths.
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That's a great place to start. Clarifying your goals comes first, and sometimes that conversation leads somewhere different than where you thought you were headed — which is valuable information.
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If that's helpful to you, absolutely. Some applicants want family involved throughout; others prefer to handle this more independently.
Let’s Meet Where You Are
Whether you’re transferring undergraduate schools, or looking to pursue a post-graduate degree, I’m here to help.